A surprising “mega development project” is making headlines as Deputy Minister T.B. Sarath unveils plans to build a chain of sanitary toilet complexes along the Colombo–Polonnaruwa route, sparking debate on priorities, infrastructure, and rural needs.
Deputy Minister of Housing T.B. Sarath has described the construction of modern toilet facilities every four to five kilometers between Colombo and Polonnaruwa as one of the government’s “huge development projects.” Speaking at a public meeting, he emphasized that for decades no administration had been able to implement such a systematic sanitary initiative.
The Deputy Minister remarked that for 76 years Sri Lanka failed to establish a functioning, nationwide sanitary system on its highways. “We are working to build a sanitary and good toilet system every four to five kilometers from Colombo. These are huge development projects,” he told the gathering, underscoring the importance of clean, accessible public restrooms for both citizens and travelers.
He also highlighted frustrations of rural youth, symbolically noting that “sons born in villages are crying because they cannot get down from the terraces, and they are not allowed to go back up.” His statement drew attention to the broader challenges of rural communities that often remain underserved despite promises of development.
While critics may dismiss toilets as trivial, advocates argue that public hygiene, accessibility, and facilities for travelers are critical infrastructure that directly affects daily life, tourism, and health standards. The project aims to address long-neglected needs and provide relief for millions traveling major routes.
